West Hartford firefighters located the swimmer who had slipped under the water in Woodridge Lake on Wednesday.

By Ronni Newton

A 19-year-old female from Bloomfield was transported to UConn’s John Dempsey Hospital on Wednesday evening after West Hartford firefighters located her under the water of Woodridge Lake, but Farmington Police said Thursday that she was later pronounced deceased.

Woodridge Lake, located between Woodpond Road, Tunxis Road, and Waterside Lane, is located in both the towns of West Hartford and Farmington. The initial 911 call about a swimmer who had slipped under the water was received by Farmington Police at 5:35 p.m. Wednesday, and crews from both towns responded.

According to Farmington Police, members of the West Hartford Fire Department located Jodieann Murray, 19, of Bloomfield, “under the water where she was last reported swimming by a friend.”

Lt. Tim McKenzie of the Farmington Police Department said West Hartford firefighters performed resuscitation efforts, which were continued by emergency responders as she was transported by ambulance to John Dempsey Hospital. She was pronounced dead at the hospital.

According to police, the teens appear have been trying to swim to a floating dock located a short distance across from the Woodridge Association beach. The lake and its beachfront are private property and use of the property is restricted to members of the Woodridge Association.

A vehicle related to the incident was found at Waterside Lane in West Hartford, McKenzie said.

The other teen who was with Murray was not identified but was a 19-year-old female from West Hartford, McKenzie said.

Information about the teens’ swimming ability was not provided.

No further details were available from either West Hartford Police or West Hartford Fire officials. “The West Hartford Fire Department did provide mutual aid to the Town of Farmington to rescue a drowning victim from the lake,” Battalion Chief Jarrad Smith said in a statement, referring all other requests for information to the Farmington Police Department.

Farmington Police are continuing to investigate the incident and anyone who was in the area who heard or saw anything is asked to call 860-675-2400.

With the hot weather this week, many people will be visiting recreation areas where water is located in order to cool off.  “The Farmington Police Department cautions swimmers of all abilities to use life jackets or other flotation devices when swimming in any body of water without lifeguards on duty,” they said.

Emergency crews responded to a report of drowning at Woodridge Lake. Courtesy photo

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